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Solar Array to Meet City of Hot Springs’ Energy Needs

2 min read

Scenic Hill Solar of North Little Rock has staked out another major municipal solar project, gaining unanimous approval Tuesday night from the Hot Springs City Council for a 12-megawatt solar generation project to supply all municipal electricity needs.

“It’s a 100 percent renewable energy project for the city, a big announcement,” Scenic Hill CEO and former Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter told Arkansas Business, calling the sun power project a “transformative set of investments in renewable energy” that will save the Garland County seat more than $30 million over the life of the panels.

Scenic Hill will build, own and operate 32,000 photovoltaic panels at several sites leased from the city of Hot Springs, which in turn will buy the solar power under a 28-year energy services agreement. “We commend the leadership of Hot Springs for moving forward with vision and boldness to provide renewable electricity, reduce total taxpayer spending on electricity, and stimulate local economic development through the construction of multiple power plants,” Halter said. “This commitment to smart sustainability is a big reason for companies to look to Hot Springs as a place to thrive.”

Scenic Hill, which bills itself as the largest Arkansas-headquartered solar power developer, said the project will produce enough clean electricity to satisfy the needs of all city government power use, including the police and fire departments and water utility units. Halter estimated the sustainable power derived would equal electricity generated by the burning of more than 400 million pounds of coal.

“This solar power initiative is a win-win for the city of Hot Springs as it aligns with our Green Initiatives and will have a dramatic positive impact on the city’s operating budgets for years to come,” City Manager Bill Burrough said in a statement. “The natural beauty of Hot Springs is something our community and visitors cherish, and this move to solar power is an example of how our municipality and others can move toward protecting our Natural State.”

Scenic Hill has built or announced solar array projects for Clarksville Connected Utilities, the city of Stuttgart, the city of Camden and Ouachita County, and the Guy-Perkins School District in Faulkner County.

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